Widener University MSW

Widener University’s Center for Social Work Education leads the way for students who want to make a lasting effect in the social work field. Students receive education that meets national quality standards through accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Widener’s mission supports advocates of social change who promote equitable societies and help disadvantaged populations. Their dedication shows through the preparation of skilled practitioners who use comprehensive and anti-oppressive approaches in their work.

The MSW program at Widener stands out with several unique features. The curriculum builds on a trauma-informed clinical model that promotes social justice points of view. The program also emphasizes ground experience by connecting students with agencies, schools, and hospitals in the tri-state area and beyond. Students can choose from flexible program options that fit their schedules and priorities.

National rankings highlight Widener’s excellence. The program’s popularity shows in numbers – 263 students earned their master’s degree in social work from Widener in 2022, making it the country’s #22 most sought-after school for social work master’s degrees.

The Center’s core values are the foundations of education:

• Student-Centeredness
• Social and Economic Justice
• Cultural Humility
• Reflexivity
• Strengths-Based Perspectives

Widener stands alone in the region by offering pro bono clinical supervision to select graduates seeking licensure in Pennsylvania. This removes a major barrier since securing placement and completing 150 hours of supervision typically costs $6,000-$15,000, which is an expense employers rarely cover.

The Center helps develop an anti-racist, diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that supports students from all backgrounds. Students gain valuable service learning and internship opportunities through Widener University’s Social Work Community Services (SWCS). This community-based agency, developed by the Center, prepares students for ground practice while serving clients in need.

Programs offered

Widener University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) degree lets you choose from multiple pathways that match your career goals and life situation. You can complete the program on-campus in Chester, PA or entirely online, which gives you the freedom to learn your way.

The Regular Standing MSW program needs 61 total credit hours. This includes 32 credit hours of core courses, 23 credit hours of advanced concentration, and 6 hours of electives. Full-time students can finish in 2 calendar years. Part-time students take nowhere near as long – less than 4 years. Students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last six years can take the Advanced Standing option. This lets you skip seven courses and graduate substantially faster.

Widener’s specialized programs go beyond the standard MSW:

• Trauma-Focused Specialization – This program follows a trauma-informed clinical model that goes beyond Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards. You’ll learn to assess and help clients with trauma histories effectively.
• Dual Degree Options – You can earn an MSW and MEd or PhD in Human Sexuality Studies at the same time. This opens doors to specialized roles in sex therapy or education.
• Graduate Certificates – The Practices in Trauma Recovery certificate lets you take a closer look at trauma-informed theory and practice in a variety of settings.

Field education is a vital part of your MSW experience. You’ll work under direct supervision to prepare for advanced practice in various settings. This hands-on experience helps you graduate ready to work as a clinical social worker and drive social change. The field education office helps arrange placements in many settings, including those that serve geriatric populations.

Each program track meets different student needs. The on-campus option works best for students who love face-to-face interactions and want a distraction-free environment with easy access to professors. The asynchronous online program suits tech-savvy students who prefer written materials and can navigate learning management systems well.

Your path to success starts here. Whether you want your first graduate degree or plan to specialize further in your career, Widener’s MSW program gives you a detailed education. This prepares you for licensure in most states after graduation.

Widener University’s MSW program stands out for its remarkable success rates. The job placement numbers tell a compelling story that catches the attention of aspiring social work students. Their graduates are thriving – 89% find jobs in their field within three months of completing the program.

What makes these numbers possible? The program’s design sets students up for success from day one. Students complete 900 hours of supervised fieldwork in various settings. This hands-on experience makes them ready to hit the ground running after graduation.

The program’s strong industry connections play a huge role in graduate success. Widener has built mutually beneficial alliances with over 300 agencies across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. These relationships create direct paths to jobs for new graduates.

Career development at Widener goes beyond just field placements. The program offers specialized services that help social work students succeed:

• Resume and cover letter reviews that highlight your clinical abilities
• Practice interviews with professionals in the field
• Events to connect with regional employers
• Job fairs with organizations looking to hire MSW graduates

The curriculum itself makes graduates highly employable. Classes focus on evidence-based methods that employers value in new hires. Students work through case studies and simulations to develop the clinical reasoning skills that set top practitioners apart.

The faculty’s dedication shapes student success significantly. Professors use their professional networks to connect students with internships and jobs. Many teachers run active practices while teaching, which helps them understand what employers need right now.

The program’s focus on trauma training makes graduates even more marketable. Mental health awareness is growing, and organizations need professionals who know how to assess and treat trauma. Widener MSW graduates bring exactly this expertise to their roles.

This is a big deal as it means that the 89% employment rate within three months beats the national average for MSW programs. For anyone looking to advance their social work career, Widener University proves to be an excellent choice.

About the online program

Widener’s online MSW program lets you complete coursework anywhere and anytime. You can fit your education around daily responsibilities. The program’s asynchronous nature helps you interact with professors and classmates when it works best for you.

Students get the same comprehensive curriculum as the on-campus program. You’ll build a solid foundation while tailoring your studies to match your career goals. The program teaches you to understand trauma as the root cause of mental illness. This knowledge prepares you to deliver evidence-based services that transform your clients’ lives.

Distance learning doesn’t mean isolation. You’ll build connections with peers nationwide through dynamic group projects. These shared experiences grow your professional network and enhance your learning journey. As an online student, you’ll get outstanding support that includes:

• A dedicated student services coordinator who champions your success
• Course materials at your fingertips through laptop or mobile device
• Learning from prominent experts and practicing professionals

Success in this program demands self-discipline to finish coursework on time. It works best for motivated, organized students who stay on top of their assignments. The online format gives working professionals plenty of flexibility. Part-time students take two classes every eight weeks.

Field experiences play a vital role in the online program. Students complete supervised placements in social work settings that match their career goals. The Director of Field Instruction pairs students with agency sites based on their priorities, skills, professional aims, and location.

Widener’s online MSW program stands out for its excellence. Social Work Guide ranked it among the top online MSW programs in Pennsylvania. U.S. News & World Report listed Widener among the Best Schools of Social Work in 2024. The program shines with its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and flexible schedule options.

Accreditation

The Widener University MSW program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This recognition covers both campus-based and online MSW programs. Students receive education that meets rigorous national standards for social work practice.

Widener University also has institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The university received its latest MSCHE reaffirmation on June 17, 2017. MSCHE has recognition from the U.S. Secretary of Education to accredit institutions that offer distance and correspondence education across the United States.

CSWE accreditation plays a crucial role for anyone pursuing a career in social work. You need to graduate from a CSWE-accredited program to qualify for licensure. Without this credential, your career options become limited since employers look for candidates with degrees from accredited institutions.

Choosing Widener’s accredited MSW program gives you several key advantages:

• You can take licensure exams in most states after graduation
• Your education meets proven quality standards
• You get access to financial aid options not available at non-accredited schools
• Employers value CSWE recognition as the field’s authority

CSWE accreditation proves that Widener University’s MSW program prepares students well through competency-based education. The program evaluates students based on their mastery of CSWE’s accreditation standards.

This accreditation shows Widener’s dedication to providing education that builds competencies needed for effective social work practice. Graduates leave the program with skills that meet the highest professional standards nationwide.

Admission Requirements

The Widener University MSW program welcomes new students with a clear and simple admission process. You can start your experience whenever you’re ready since the university accepts applications year-round.

The Regular Standing program requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Statement of purpose
• Two letters of recommendation (one professional, one academic)
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended

Advanced Standing status might be right for you if you’ve completed a CSWE-accredited BSW degree in the last six years. This path requires:

• Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Social work major GPA of 3.3 or higher
• One letter of recommendation from your BSW field instructor or field director

Widener makes the admission process accessible. The university doesn’t require GRE or GMAT scores. Students with GPAs below 3.0 can receive conditional admission if they show strong potential for success in the program.

International students need to submit extra documents and achieve a TOEFL score of 75 or higher before starting classes.

The program welcomes transfer students. You can transfer up to nine credits from non-MSW graduate programs or up to 27 credits from another MSW program with departmental approval.

A dedicated program manager will help you navigate the application process and find financial aid opportunities. The 2025 application deadlines are December 4 for Advanced Standing and December 9 for Regular Standing.

The online application is simple. Review the requirements, fill out the application form, and send your official transcripts to swtranscripts@widener.edu.

Tuition

Understanding the complete financial picture will help you make an informed decision about your MSW at Widener University. The MSW program at Widener costs $980.00 per credit hour, which makes it competitive with other graduate programs.

Students in the Regular Standing track need 57 credit hours, which brings the total tuition to approximately $57,000. The Advanced Standing track needs only 36 credit hours, which provides a cost-effective option for qualified BSW degree holders. Your budget should include textbooks, supplies, personal expenses, and possible loan fees beyond the tuition costs.

MSW graduates typically earn 10% more than professionals with bachelor’s degrees. This makes Widener’s MSW program a valuable investment in your career growth.

Widener provides several options to help with financial costs:

• Federal loans through FAFSA using Widener’s school code 003313
• Tuition reimbursement options from employers with required documentation
• Educational benefits for veterans through U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and Yellow Ribbon Program
• Montgomery GI Bill® and Post 9-11 Bill programs for qualified veterans

The university’s dedication to making education accessible shows in the fact that 74% of graduate students receive financial aid. Students pay a technology fee of $50.00 each semester.

Widener prioritizes making your degree financially manageable. The university encourages students to learn about all available resources that can help fit the MSW program into their budget. Many employers provide tuition reimbursement benefits that can significantly reduce your educational expenses.

Students get access to Widener’s Tuition Calculator after applying to the program. This tool helps you break down total program costs based on your specific situation. Looking into these financial options early will let you focus on your studies without worrying about finances during your educational experience.

Additional Information

Widener University provides many resources to boost your MSW experience beyond the regular curriculum. The Social Work Counseling Services (SWCS) community-based agency gives students ground training opportunities. Graduate interns provide individual counseling, group therapy, and resource navigation services to adults at no cost under professional supervision.

MSW graduates have promising career prospects. The program opens doors to several career paths such as global case manager (average salary: $80,914), international social worker (average salary: $76,266), or corporate social responsibility manager (median salary: $114,300). Social work field employment will grow 7% from 2022 to 2032—faster than average for all occupations.

Widener’s complete library resources support your academic trip with specialized social work research materials. Students can access specialized journals like Advances in Social Work and the Journal of Social Inclusion. These scholarly resources strengthen the program’s goal to develop innovative practitioners and exemplary scholars.

Students can find the Center for Social Work Education faculty’s direct contact information on the university website. Faculty members stay available throughout your educational experience. Widener’s student-centered approach has led to an impressive 89% job placement rate within three months of graduation.